Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East, with the support of Oman’s Tourism Ministry, has launched new flights between Sharjah and Salalah. The services will be welcomed by Oman Ministry of Tourism and Salalah, which is positioning itself as a year-round destination for adventure, nature and leisure travelers.

The new flights commence today (June 28, 2012), and coincide with this year’s edition of the Salalah Tourism Festival (STF 2012), Dhofar’s biggest annual cultural and entertainment show that attracts thousands of local, regional and international tourists every year. STF 2012 runs from 21 June to 18 July 2012. The launch also coincides with the ‘Khareef’ season of cool weather, which runs from July until the end of September.

The new flights enhance Salalah’s reputation as a major year-round tourist destination, and a favorite venue for the Middle East’s rapidly expanding MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) market. The flights from Sharjah will depart on Thursdays and Saturdays, returning on the same day.

Oman Ministry of Tourism’s Director General Assistant of Tourism Promotion, Ghasi Al Hashmi said, “Air Arabia’s services between Sharjah and Salalah will be welcomed by Salalah’s tourism industry. They represent a 100 per cent increase in non-stop capacity from the UAE, with excellent connections to Dammam, KSA; another large potential leisure market for Salalah. We are confident that our partnership with Air Arabia will unlock more exciting growth possibilities in a range of segments and from across its GCC network. We believe that it is the perfect time to launch the new flights as it coincides with the Salalah Tourism Festival, one of the biggest tourist attractions in Oman.”

Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia said, “Salalah has always been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Gulf and entire Middle East due to its truly unique attractions and its pleasant climate. We are pleased to collaborate with the Oman Ministry of Tourism to launch Air Arabia’s new flights between Sharjah and Salalah. The flights scheduled are particularly conducive for weekend holidays in Salalah, giving families and groups a convenient and accessible way to enjoy the weekend. Today’s inaugural service will reinforce our presence and allow us to capitalize on the huge potential of Salalah as major travel destination in the region.”